Worried about rising bills and getting by? Keir Starmer has the answer: try chewing a flag! | Aditya Chakrabortty

<p>The PM wants to talk about patriotism when the issue that is really affecting people is the cost of living. If he doesn’t wise up, that dissonance will sink him</p><p>The ancient charge levelled against politicians is that they chase public opinion as tirelessly as terriers tailing a caravan. When voters shout, ministers jump to and blurt out a reply, no matter how bad. But there is one problem above any other that Britons say causes them personal distress. It is pushing many to desperate action. It’s the same issue that may well seal the next election. It’s no secret, but instead regularly flashes deepest red in polls. Yet it is neither discussed by our prime minister nor receives urgent ministerial attention. And no newspaper is bawling about it in 72-point type.</p><p>Here is a case study in just how warped politics and the media are in 2025, and how MPs and journalists work against the interests of their voters and audiences. I refer to the cost of living.</p><p>Aditya Chakrabortty is a Guardian columnist</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/oct/09/rising-bills-cost-of-living-patriotism-flags-keir-starmer">Continue reading...</a>